The greatest love story in football: Champions League final review

The Euros are underway and Spain got off to a flying start! Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they reflect on the amazing victory over Croatia in their opening game.Paco wasn't too enthused ahead of the tournament, but now he is "the most Spanish of the Spaniards in the Spanish country". We salute Álvaro Morata, the least likely leader, Fabián Ruiz proving doubters wrong, Lamine Yamal's remarkable maturity and Dani Carvajal's terrific fortnight.In Part Two we assess the early stages of the completion as a whole, with Germany impressing but Italy less so.Join us for coverage of every Spain game over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you really think we were done for the season? No chance! La Liga Lowdown is also invested in EURO 2024, and we couldn't wait to preview all the excitement with Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee).In the first half of the pod, we go through Luis de la Fuente's squad selection for Spain, picking out some of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as previewing the first game against a tough and talented nation such as Croatia. Matt even gives us his prediction on how England will fare!In the second part, we delve into each group and pick some of the favourites to lift the desired trophy, as well as trying to decipher the potential dark horses and disappointments.So, give our pod a listen and start warming up for what's coming! Also, remember that you can subscribe to our Substack and support our work: lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid are champions of Europe again, for the 15th time. For the final pod of the season, Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review the game and assess the magnitude of this team's achievement.With more than double the number of titles as the next best club – Milan – Los Blancos continue to raise their own ceiling. This one is even more momentous, being the sixth in 11 years, matching the feat of the originals in the 1950s.One of those stars was Paco Gento, and he was joined at the summit by four current Madridistas as the only players with six European Cups.We talk about the stories and the subplots, from Jude to Joselu, Courtois to Carletto.Later in the show we discuss some of the new coaches appointed by LaLiga clubs, as well as check in on how Segunda wrapped up.Subscribe for all of our content at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023-2024 LaLiga season is over! We have quite a few farewells to speak about in out last LaLiga Matchday recap: tears were shed, managers and players were tossed around by the squads, fans got emotional.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) bring you the lowdown on the ‘adiós’ by Toni Kroos, Javier Aguirre, Jagoba Arrasate… and, yes, Xavi Hernández, whose additional season at Barça’s helm came to an abrupt end a few days ago after getting rage-sacked by President Joan Laporta. Hansi Flick will be Barça’s boss next season, even though Xavi’s stats have stuck pretty close to the template he showed in the successful 2022-2023 season.With only Real Madrid’s showdown against Dortmund pending, another Champions League final was played this weekend in Bilbao, with over 50,000 in attendance and with Barça dominating European football after beating Olympique Lyon (2-0). The lads might have disappointed, but Barça’s women’s team has been absolutely brilliant and the shining light in a dramatic season.Don’t miss the coda with our predictions regarding Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man squad for Spain in the Euro 2024.Catch all the reactions, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023-2024 LaLiga season is over! We have quite a few farewells to speak about in out last LaLiga Matchday recap: tears were shed, managers and players were tossed around by the squads, fans got emotional.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) bring you the lowdown on the ‘adiós’ by Toni Kroos, Javier Aguirre, Jagoba Arrasate… and, yes, Xavi Hernández, whose additional season at Barça’s helm came to an abrupt end a few days ago after getting rage-sacked by President Joan Laporta. Hansi Flick will be Barça’s boss next season, even though Xavi’s stats have stuck pretty close to the template he showed in the successful 2022-2023 season.With only Real Madrid’s showdown against Dortmund pending, another Champions League final was played this weekend in Bilbao, with over 50,000 in attendance and with Barça dominating European football after beating Olympique Lyon (2-0). The lads might have disappointed, but Barça’s women’s team has been absolutely brilliant and the shining light in a dramatic season.Don’t miss the coda with our predictions regarding Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man squad for Spain in the Euro 2024.Catch all the reactions, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The penultimate Matchday in this LaLiga season ended up ultimately being the deciding one. Everything that was left to be settled was indeed confirmed on the 37th round.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) look back at it all, from Cádiz's familiar faults costing them their top-flight status, to a partidazo at La Cerámica, with Alexander Sørloth firing himself into the Pichichi lead. Elsewhere, there was a huge Europa League decider in Seville, but this one went the way of the visitors. Barça and Girona both won to confirm their spots in 2nd and 3rd respectively.Atleti suffered perhaps the shock of the weekend, being routed on their own turf by Osasuna.There were emotional goodbyes at San Mamés, and more home comforts for Alavés.Catch all the reaction, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another one bites the dust. Matchday 35 saw Granada’s relegation confirmed before they had even kicked a ball in anger. Unfortunately for the Andalusians, Real Madrid were in no mood to show mercy as they handed out a 4-0 drubbing. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) as they review that one-sided affair and the rest of the weekend’s action.Cádiz continued their LaLiga survival fight with a crucial win, while Jon Guridi dented Girona’s runners-up hopes. Sergio Herrera dropped two points at San Mamés as Rodrigo De Paul thumped Atleti closer to Champions League qualification. Elsewhere, Mallorca took a giant leap towards safety against free-falling Las Palmas. We also reflect on two thrilling games at Estadio de la Cerámica and the Benito Villamarín as well as a cagey affair at Mestalla.We will be back to discuss the midweek round of fixtures over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matchday 34 proved to be a momentous round of fixtures in LaLiga. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) review it all in this episode.Real Madrid's 36th league title was decided in Catalunya, after Girona beat Barça in a pulsating match at Montilivi. The home fans were celebrating too, as they secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. We salute the stars of both teams, the composure of Carlo Ancelotti and the magic of Míchel.Elsewhere Celta took a giant leap towards survival by beating Villarreal in another goal-fest, while La Real and Betis moved further clear in the final European places.Granada aren't relegated quite yet, but their defeat in Seville makes it a matter of time. In truth, Cádiz look doomed too.For more reaction and analysis, subscribe and upgrade at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review Matchday 33, starting with the battle for the 4th spot between Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club, which favoured the home side. Lamentably, there were more incidents of racist abuse from the stands, this time directed at Nico Williams. He promptly scored and celebrated with real bravery and class. Real Madrid got the job done, with Carlo Ancelotti's rotations working to perfection, Girona are now just one win away from their Champions League dream, and 'El Gran Derbi' ended with a draw. Almería are officially relegated, whereas Granada and Cádiz are doing all they can to stay in the fight for survival. Celta, Mallorca and Rayo cannot sleep easy just yet.All this, and more, in our weekend recap. So, give us a listen, and don't forget to subscribe at lllonline.substack.com for the latest on Spanish football! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jude Bellingham did it again. Scoring a stoppage-time winner in El Clásico. A goal which sealed a five-goal thriller and surely another league title for Los Blancos.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) reflect on this game and the rest of the action in LaLiga this weekend.There was goal-line controversy, golazos and much more to get stuck into. Atleti compounded a bad week by losing at Alavés, keeping Athletic in the hunt for fourth spot. Valencia lost to Betis, but Real Sociedad were unable to take full advantage. Girona sealed European qualification for the first time ever, while Iago Aspas did what he does best and led Celta to a massive three points in their battle against the drop.Subscribe for more content at lllonline.substack.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.